Chevalier's cedar Plant Care

Chevalier's cedar (Libocedrus chevalieri) belongs to the Cupressaceae family within the Libocedrus genus. Chevalier's cedar is native to New Caledonia, occurring in three small, isolated populations on low mountain summits at 650–1,620 m altitude in cloud forest scrub on serpentine soils. Chevalier's cedar is also known as Santa Cruz cypress.

Chevalier's cedar displays a tall, conical tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Chevalier's cedar produces inconspicuous small male and female cones.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chevalier's cedar every 14–21 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Chevalier's cedar thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Libocedrus chevalieri tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Chevalier's cedar prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Chevalier's cedar to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chevalier's cedar every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chevalier's cedar is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Chevalier's cedar can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 60 ft (18 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Chevalier's cedar while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Chevalier's cedar is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Chevalier's cedar can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to new caledonian cedar plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Chevalier's cedar is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Chevalier's cedar grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Chevalier's cedar is native to New Caledonia, occurring in three small, isolated populations on low mountain summits at 650–1,620 m altitude in cloud forest scrub on serpentine soils. In cooler regions, grow Chevalier's cedar as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.